There is so much love for José Andrés' We Fed an Island, a true story of how a group of chefs fed hundreds of thousands of hungry Americans after Hurricane Maria. Chef José Andrés arrived in Puerto Rico four days after Hurricane Maria ripped through the island. The economy was destroyed and for most people there was no clean water, no food, no power, no gas, and no way to communicate with the outside world. Here, Andrés discovered a larger, more systematic problem. This book describes how a network of community kitchens activated real change and tells an extraordinary story of hope in the face of disasters both natural and man-made, offering suggestions for how to address a crisis like this in the future. A portion of the proceeds from the book will be donated to the Chef Relief Network of World Central Kitchen for efforts in Puerto Rico and beyond.
Check out all of these amazing reviews for We Fed an Island:
“This lovely, energizing story from Michelin-starred chef Andrés and his frequent cookbook coauthor Wolffe provides an antidote to passivity and cynicism….This is a powerful story of the impact a well-meaning group can have on the world.”
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“[An] inspirational story…A passionate and courageous story that should be required reading for anyone involved in disaster response.”
—Kirkus, Starred Review
“José Andrés’s work to build a massive relief operation from the ground up after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico was nothing short of miraculous—and a powerful reminder that we all have a responsibility to do what we can to help one another in times of need."
—President Bill Clinton
“In the days and weeks after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, José Andrés seemed to always be in constant motion—cooking, cajoling, inspiring, doing whatever it took to feed as many people as possible. I saw the results of his, and his volunteers’, work firsthand, but it’s only in the pages of this book that the scale of their contribution becomes clear. What an amazing story!”
—Anderson Cooper
“His big heart and boundless energy could not be restrained by red tape. People were hungry, and José is a chef. Chefs feed people. He, better than anyone, understood that. He is a leader, an innovator, and a true hero.”
—Anthony Bourdain
“We know personally of the incredible commitment, ingenuity, and solutions that José brings to our world and the impact this book can have in actually making changes and improving the way we deal with natural disasters. We feel privileged to call him our friend and are always impressed with his passion for doing what’s right. José Andrés has been an integral part of the recovery of our beloved island of Puerto Rico.”
—Gloria and Emilio Estefan
“I witnessed José’s genius and generosity of spirit firsthand when I visited Puerto Rico and experienced his heroic determination to help restore dignity to Puerto Ricans. This tribute captures the integrity, passion and vigor he employs in pursuit of justice for all. A must-read for those who seek to be compassionate changemakers.”
—Laurene Powell Jobs, President and Founder, Emerson Collective
Check out We Fed an Island and hear José Andrés' Ted Talk about his trip to Puerto Rico here.
-Lainey